Teeth whitening involves the specific application of chemical bleaching agents directly to human dental enamel. Dentists offer professional treatments in their clinical offices, and patients often purchase various over-the-counter products at local pharmacies. Because teeth naturally yellow over long periods of time, many people ask dental professionals about these cosmetic procedures.
Signs of Discoloration
Individuals may think about teeth whitening when they begin to see discoloration on their teeth. Stains develop slowly on the outside surface of the enamel, or they penetrate much deeper into the dentin layer beneath the tooth exterior. Drinking coffee or dark teas regularly can cause dark pigments to build up on teeth. Tobacco use causes visible yellowing on the teeth as well.
Although external dietary factors cause most surface stains, some prescription medications can alter the internal color structure of the tooth. Physical trauma to a single tooth may create a distinct dark gray appearance near the affected root. Aging naturally wears down the white outer enamel layer, and the yellowish dentin underneath becomes more visible to the naked eye.
Options for Whitening
Dental offices provide targeted in-chair bleaching sessions, and these clinical appointments typically last around an hour. A high-concentration peroxide gel is applied to the teeth by the trained hygienist. After the hygienist applies the chemical gel, a specialized ultraviolet light accelerates the breakdown of the physical stains. These treatments can quickly remove stains.
Take-home whitening kits offer the convenience of whitening without an appointment. The user applies whitening gel over several consecutive weeks of consistent daily application. Dentists create custom-fitted physical trays for specific patients, and users fill these exact plastic molds with lower-concentration bleaching agents. Users follow the directions given to them by their dentist to complete the whitening treatment.
Questions to Ask
Before beginning any teeth whitening, patients may want to ask questions. Whitening can cause certain side effects, like temporary sensitivity in the teeth and gums. A dentist is able to help patients understand how to manage side effects and what else to expect following an appointment.
Dentists can evaluate the current physical health of your gums and teeth, and they meticulously check for any active tooth decay in your mouth. Since active bleaching agents can aggravate open cavities, doctors fill these structural holes prior to any whitening treatment. Existing porcelain crowns and composite veneers do not respond to modern whitening gels, so dentists are sure to understand their patients’ medical history before beginning whitening.
Patients may also wonder about the longevity of teeth whitening. Dietary choices heavily affect the long-term color stability of newly bleached dental enamel. A dentist can give recommendations for how to keep teeth whitening results for longer, like daily brushing and limiting dark beverages. It may be helpful to ask about a clear timeline for future touch-up treatments, and your chosen provider can provide a realistic maintenance schedule.
Schedule a Teeth Whitening Consultation
Before the initiation of any chemical whitening procedure, consult a dentist for an evaluation. If you notice color changes in your smile, a trained provider offers specific recommendations for your unique physical situation. Call a dentist to book a consultation for teeth whitening.
